'Some cars don't change, they just get better. The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL, latest version of a line that began as the 230 SL in 1963, is the same as ever, just better,' concluded Road & Track after testing a 280 SL in 1968. 'For those who value engineering finesse and high quality construction, it's alone in the field,' enthused the highly respected American motoring magazine, while its manufacturer considered the 280 SL, 'a Grand Tourer in the traditional sense' and 'a unique combination of sports car performance and saloon car comfort (a Mercedes-Benz saloon naturally).' These attributes help explain the 280 SL's phenomenal success, particularly in the all-important North American market where the optional automatic transmission was considered an essential feature by the majority of customers. The fact that it looked like 'sex on wheels' helped enormously too, of course. The 280 SL's essential user friendliness broadened its appeal beyond the traditional sports car-enthusiast market; manycelebrities and film stars owned 280SLs and only a few years ago Bonhams sold that belonging to Oscar-nominated actress Leslie Ann Warren. The last of a popular and extremely successful line begun with the 230 SL of 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was introduced in 1967 powered by a new 2.8-litre six-cylinder engine that produced 180bhp, 20 horsepower more than the preceding 250 SL's. The 280 SL's 120mph top speed was no greater but it was significantly quicker off the mark, its 0-60mph time of 10 seconds being a whole second better than its predecessor's. Christened 'Pagoda' after their distinctive cabin shape with its generous glass area, these SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers of their day and remain highly sought after by collectors. An automatic transmission model, this particular original right hand drive 280 SL is finished in silver with a navy blue soft-top, this beautiful 280 SL is fitted with its original matching numbers engine. The 280 versions are the most desirableof the Pagoda Mercedes and as such are sought after by serious collectors and investors.

One of the final batch of 190 SLs to be built and delivered new to the USARepatriated to Germany in 1990 and restored there in 2013Showing 56,000 miles and presented in very good orderSpecial order period paint scheme, and rare teak door cappingsFitted with Weber carburettors for 'turn key' performance Extensive restoration and parts receipts and copy Mercedes-Benz data cardThe 190SL, combined superb build quality with understated styling and a, not insignificant, 104bhp from the 1.9-litre, four-stroke engine. An instant hit, the three-pronged star sparkled among the gloom of post-war austerity. The 1955 launch of the 190SL cemented Mercedes-Benz's reputation as the car manufacturer for those who wanted elegance, build quality and a good turn of speed. Unsurprisingly, most of the 26,000 units were sold to the North American market.This particular left-hand drive 190SL, the 24,001st made, and among the last built, was shipped new from the Mercedes-Benz factory in Stuttgart to the United States onthe1st July 1962. The copy Mercedes-Benz data card enclosed in the extensive history file confirms the car was painted in the special order colour of `Horizon'. The accompanying photographs confirm that the gearbox and engine numbers still match the data card, a remarkable feat after fifty-six years.According to the German registration documents, the car was to return to Stuttgart when Herr Walter Fink imported the car into Germany during 1990. The extensive restoration bills on file confirm many thousands of Deutschmarks were spent during the 1990s, with most of the receipts from Mercedes-Benz. Further works were to be carried out by established M-B restorers, Arthur Bechtel Classic Motors, totalling some 25,000EU in 2013. Sourced for our vendor by well-known specialists, Cheshire Classic Cars' direct from Germany in 2015, this pretty 190 SL joined one of the leading classic car collections in the UK and was stabled next door to its bigger brother, a 300 SL Roadster. The engine, upgraded toWebercarburettors, performs and sounds superbly, with the exhaust offering a throaty burble. The seats in dark blue leather, fitted with after-market seat belts, beautifully compliment the pale blue coachwork topped by a dark blue mohair hood. To this consignor's eye, the car presents very well, with just two small tears to the hood noticeable. Destined for fair weather `top-down' cruising these blemishes are therefore largely immaterial and remain hidden beneath the butter soft leather tonneau.Presented to auction with an extensive history file illustrating its second lease of life in Europe for the past twenty-eight years, the car will be offered with a fresh MOT and its UK V5c. Silverstone Auctions has an enviable record in selling the very best 190 SLs and we have seen the market strengthen, year by year, for these charismatic sports cars.

![CDATA[The Mercedes-Benz W113 roadsters, designed by Paul Bracq, were produced from 1963 through to 1971. They were known as the 'pagoda roof' SL and replaced the W198 SL in 1963 which was then, in turn, replaced by the R107 SL in 1971. All models boast an inline six-cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection using a mechanical pump system adapted from the diesel motors. Most of these early SL's were sold with both the removable hard top and a soft top in the so-called 'Coupé/Roadster' configuration. By 1955, Mercedes-Benz Chief Engineer, Prof. Fritz Nallinger and his team, held no illusions regarding the 190SL's lack of performance and, in 1960, he eventually proposed to develop a completely new 220SL design based on technology from the W112. This led to the W113 platform, with an improved fuel-injected 2.3 litre M127, inline-six engine and the distinctive 'pagoda' hardtop roof called the 230SL. It made a remarkable debut at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show in March 1963, where Nallingerintroduced it as follows: 'It was our aim to create a very safe and fast sports car with high performance, which despite its sports characteristics, provides a very high degree of travelling comfort.' The 250SL was basically a one-year model, introduced at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show. The more desirable and more powerful 2.8 litre 280SL was introduced in 1967 and continued in production largely unchanged through to 1971. We are delighted to offer this exceptional Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda, first registered on 5th February 1968 and presented with silver coachwork and contrasting black leather trim. It is worth noting that it is fitted with the rare and sought after manual gearbox. The car has been subject to extensive works with one of the UKs leading Mercedes-Benz SL including an engine rebuild, suspension and brakes overhaul, a re-trim, including a new hood and a coachwork strip, repair and paint. These works total in excess of £50,000 (not including engine build) and are recorded within theaccompanying history file. Interested parties should note that the engine is still in its running-in period and will require further running-in and oil changes as specified within the file. On inspection, this Mercedes-Benz looks stunning. Slide into those big, comfortable leather seats and view the wonderfully designed dashboard that includes an original Becker radio. On a recent test drive, it was noted how well the engine pulled and how taught the SL felt. Also accompanying this Mercedes-Benz is the Pagoda hardtop, a spare set of keys, a Mercedes-Benz UK Limited, Homologation Department dating letter, a UK V5C registration document and, we are advised, the car will arrive at the sale with a fresh MoT test certificate. If you are seeking a top condition classic Mercedes-Benz, then look no further than this fabulous SL presented to you today.]]

![CDATA[The Mercedes-Benz W113 roadsters, designed by Paul Bracq, were produced from 1963 through to 1971 with their distinctive 'pagoda' hardtop roof giving them their contemporary nick-name. All models feature an inline six-cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection using a mechanical pump system adapted from the diesel engine. All are rear-wheel drive and are equipped with independent rear suspension, a feature that greatly improved road handling. It made its debut at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show in March 1963 where Technical Director Fritz Nallinger introduced it as follows, 'It was our aim to create a very safe and fast sports car with high performance which, despite its sports characteristics, provides a high degree of travelling comfort.' Mercedes-Benz Chief Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, who was as competent behind the wheel as most racing drivers, demonstrated the capabilities of the 230SL on a tight short race track near Montreux in 1963 where he put up a best lap time of 47.5seconds and, incidentally, out-performed Mike Parkes in his Ferrari 250GT. We are delighted to present this fine 1966 example of the marque. Originally supplied to the USA, this 230 SL was imported into the UK in 2016 and has recorded a warranted 22298 miles. Presented in Signal Red with a contrasting tan leather interior, this SL looks very smart with excellent panel gaps and benefits from a cosmetic and mechanical restoration in the USA during 2015. It is understood that a lady in Dallas was the first owner who then sold the car to a private collector about 3 years ago before it was acquired and imported into the UK by the current owner. The SL comes with air conditioning, a Pagoda hardtop and still carries its original jack and tools. The history file includes the service book, UK V5 registration document and we are advised, that the SL will arrive at the sale with a fresh MoT test certificate. On a recent test, our tester reports that the engine started easily and ran remarkably smoothly. Ifyou are seeking an original and classic Mercedes-Benz then look no further as this low mileage, up-market and quality sports tourer certainly ticks all the boxes. With SL prices firming over recent times, we would advise any potential buyers of this model not to hesitate too long. ]]

![CDATA[In excellent condition and exceptionally well-presented following a two-year programme of thorough and authentic refurbishment, this pillarless 1970 280 SE 3.5 Coupé represents the last of the hand-built Mercedes-Benz motor cars and the ultimate version of the W111 model. One of only 245 righthand drive examples manufactured over a period of 24 months, this 3.5 litre model was one of the most exclusive, best-built and most expensive cars in the world. The W111 chassis combined with the 3499cc V8 power plant and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection produced a formidable 200bhp at 5800rpm. Combined with a four-speed automatic gearbox and power steering as standard, it also gave tractability in town, torque-laden acceleration, precise handling, serene fast cruising and top speed of 132mph. This 280 SE 3.5 Coupé features a full specification with electric sun roof, floor-mounted Pagoda style gear selector, electric windows, centre armrests, headrests, tinted & heated rear windscreen and aperiodBecker radio. The classic Mercedes-Benz combination of silver paintwork (DB 180) and black leather interior, burr walnut fascia and chrome details throughout the cabin. Its matching numbers and conformity to the Stuttgart factory build sheet in every detail is testament to the value of originality, patina, gentle usage and regular servicing throughout this car's life, followed by an extremely sensitive and costly refurbishment. XAE 705H was first registered on 22nd May 1970 and has had just two previous owners. It changed hands in 1986 after the first owner, a company director, had enjoyed 71,526 miles, almost exclusively accumulated travelling with his wife between the Midlands and their seaside second home in St Ives, Cornwall. The sale was arranged by Mercedes specialist John Lewis, of Parson's Green, West London. Over the next 29 years, the new owner, the CEO of a banking group, used the car between his homes in Wiltshire and Belgravia. Always garaged and given light but regular use upuntil2007 when the car was mothballed, it was acquired privately in 2015 and underwent a painstaking refurbishment. A full mechanical overhaul by a marque expert has been carried out prior to restoration of the bodywork which included all new rubbers, light lenses and new Michelin tyres. There followed a high quality bare metal repaint and the car retains its excellent shut lines and gaps throughout. The chrome work was carefully removed and re-plated. The leather and door cards are original except for the outer panels on the driver's seat which have been sympathetically replaced. In November 1982, the odometer developed a fault and was replaced at 68,000 miles with a new unit which now reads 47,000 miles. The speedometer change is fully documented in a letter from the garage to the owner. Included with the sale are three large files with a photographic record of the restoration and a copy of every invoice. Also supplied are the V5C registration document, a current MOT test certificate whichexpires inSeptember 2018 and the original handbook wallet. The annual mileages are corroborated by a near-continuous list of MOT certificates from 1984 together with service records dating back to the change of ownership in 1986.]]

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